Uninstalling Firefox: Difference between revisions

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This article contains instructions to uninstall Firefox and remove it from your system. Make sure you complete the last step, removing the user profile data, if you wish to completely remove Firefox or perform a clean reinstall.  
This article contains instructions to uninstall Firefox and remove it from your system.   You should set another ''default browser'' if you are not going to reinstall Firefox and it is currently the default [https://bugzilla.mozilla.org/show_bug.cgi?id=255225]. You can use the information in [[Default browser | this article]] as a general guide.


'''Note:''' You should set another ''default browser'' if you are not going to reinstall Firefox and it is currently the default [https://bugzilla.mozilla.org/show_bug.cgi?id=255225].  You can use the information in  [[Default browser | this article]] as a general guide.
'''Important:''' It is rarely necessary to remove Firefox to repair it.  Usually it is sufficient to [http://kb.mozillazine.org/Profile_Manager#Creating_a_new_profile create a new profile,] and it is not necessary to remove the old profileIn some cases it is also necessary to uninstall Firefox and install it in a new folder. Note that it is usually safer to rename files and folders than to delete them.


==On Mac OS X==
==On Mac OS X==
Drag the Firefox application to the Trash.  
#Drag the Firefox application to the Trash
#Firefox also has a .plist file at ''~/Library/Preferences/org.mozilla.firefox.plist''  you may wish to remove.
 
If you also wish to remove your Firefox user data and settings (bookmarks, extensions, etc.) trash the "Firefox" folder, located here: ''~Library/Application Support/Firefox''.  [http://forums.mozillazine.org/viewtopic.php?t=625746]  See [[#Removing user profile data|Removing user profile data]] (below)  for additional information.


==On Linux==
==On Linux==
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==On Windows==
==On Windows==
[[Kill application |Exit Firefox completely]], then:
[[Kill application |Exit Firefox completely]], open the Windows Control Panel and then,
*Open the Windows Control Panel and double-click Add/Remove Programs. Select "Mozilla Firefox <version>" in the list and click "Remove" to run the uninstaller. ''Even if this first step fails, as it may [http://forums.mozillazine.org/viewtopic.php?t=418369 in some cases], continue on with the rest of the uninstall instructions.''
* ''On Windows Vista and above,'' go to "Programs -> Programs and Features", select Mozilla Firefox <version> and click click Uninstall. [http://windowshelp.microsoft.com/Windows/en-US/help/be5d0190-7bdc-412e-b342-04471a2f56ca1033.mspx] [http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows7/Uninstall-or-change-a-program]
*Delete the Firefox [[Installation directory]], located here, by default: <tt>C:\Program files\'''Mozilla Firefox'''</tt>
* ''On Windows XP (or below)'', double-click "Add or Remove Programs" Select "Mozilla Firefox <version>" in the list of installed programs and click "Remove" to run the uninstaller.  
*Delete the "Firefox" folder that contains temporary data  ( *.mfl files, Cache and Updates) located here:
 
** '''Windows 2000/XP:'''  <tt>C:\Documents and Settings\<username>\Local Settings\Application Data\Mozilla\'''Firefox'''</tt>
'''Note:''' In Firefox 30.0 and below, the uninstaller includes the option, "Remove my Firefox personal data and customizations".  This removes your Firefox user profile data (bookmarks, passwords, cookies, extensions, preferences, etc.).  DO NOT select this option if you want to keep your Firefox profile data and settings.  This option has been removed in Firefox 31 so, if you wish to remove your Firefox user profile data, you will need to do it manually ([[#Removing user profile data|see below]] for instructions).  [https://bugzilla.mozilla.org/show_bug.cgi?id=432017]
** '''Windows Vista:'''  <tt>C:\Users\<username>\AppData\Local Data\Mozilla\'''Firefox'''</tt>
 
The above locations are hidden by default. Read [[Finding the profile folder on Windows#Viewing hidden files and folders |this]] for help viewing hidden files and folders.  '''Important:'''  Make sure you delete the "Firefox" folder under <u>Local Settings</u> or <u>Local Data</u>. Deleting the wrong "Firefox" folder will remove your [[Profile folder - Firefox|user profile data]]!
Even if the uninstall fails, as it may [http://forums.mozillazine.org/viewtopic.php?t=418369 in some cases], continue on with the rest of the uninstall instructions.
*If you installed the [[Quality Feedback Agent]] component (aka Talkback), open the <tt>%APPDATA%\Talkback\MozillaOrg\</tt> folder and delete all  "Firefox<somenumber>" folders found, for example,  "Firefox10" "Firefox15" and "Firefox2".
*Delete the Firefox [[Installation directory]] located here, by default: <tt>C:\Program files\'''Mozilla Firefox'''</tt> or, on 64-bit Windows, <tt>C:\Program Files (x86)\'''Mozilla Firefox'''</tt>  (Optionally make a backup copy of the "plugins" or  "browser/plugins" subfolder first, since it may contain the [[Windows Media Player]] Firefox plugin and/or other plugin files, so that you can restore it later if you plan on reinstalling Firefox.)
* '''Windows XP/Vista:'''  [[Firefox_CPU_usage#Windows_prefetch |Delete all C:\WINDOWS\Prefetch\Firefox.exe*.pf files]] 
 
* If necessary,  remove the "Mozilla Firefox" shortcuts in the Windows Start -> Programs menu by right-clicking and deleting the entries.  (This step should not be needed unless the Add/Remove Programs uninstaller in the first step failed.)
*If necessary,  remove the "Mozilla Firefox" shortcuts in the Windows Start -> Programs menu by right-clicking and deleting the entries.  This step should not be needed unless the Firefox uninstall from the Windows Control Panel failed.


The Firefox uninstall will leave behind some [http://support.microsoft.com/kb/256986/ Windows registry] entries, which can be cleaned up using Windows regedit or a 3rd party registry cleaner. ''Note: registry editing is a potentially hazardous undertaking!''.  
*(''Optional'') Delete the following additional files or folders (recommended if you are preparing for a clean reinstall):
** '''Windows XP and above:'''  [[Firefox_CPU_usage#Windows_prefetch |Delete all C:\WINDOWS\Prefetch\FIREFOX* files]] 
**Folders containing temporary Firefox data ( *.mfl files, Cache and Updates), which would be located here, if not removed by the uninstall process (you'll need to [[show hidden files and folders]]): '''Important:''' Make sure you delete the folder(s) under <u>Local Settings</u> or <u>Local</u>.  Deleting the wrong folder will remove your [[Profile folder - Firefox|user profile data]]!
***'''Windows 2000/XP:'''  <tt>C:\Documents and Settings\<username>\Local Settings\Application Data\Mozilla\'''Firefox'''</tt>
***'''Windows Vista and above:'''  <tt>C:\Users\<username>\AppData\Local\Mozilla\'''Firefox'''</tt> and <tt>C:\Users\<username>\AppData\Local\Mozilla\'''updates'''</tt> [https://bugzilla.mozilla.org/show_bug.cgi?id=572162] and/or <tt>C:\Users\<username>\AppData\Local\VirtualStore\Program Files\'''Mozilla Firefox'''</tt> (if found) [http://forums.mozillazine.org/viewtopic.php?p=2603301#2603301]


You may also need to manually change some file associations or icons in your Windows "Folder Options -> File Types" even after setting a new [[default browser]], as reported [http://forums.mozillazine.org/viewtopic.php?t=379394 here].
The Firefox uninstall will leave behind some [http://support.microsoft.com/kb/256986/ Windows registry] entries. Normally, these extra entries are harmless and it is not necessary to remove them.  ''Note: Registry editing is a potentially hazardous undertaking.''  Also avoid using 3rd party uninstallers (e.g. Revo uninstaller) since these tools can sometimes do more harm than good! [http://forums.mozillazine.org/viewtopic.php?p=11762783#p11762783]
 
You may also need to manually change some Windows file associations or iconseven after setting a new [[default browser]], as reported [http://forums.mozillazine.org/viewtopic.php?t=379394 here].


==Removing user profile data==
==Removing user profile data==
'''This step is recommended for users who are uninstalling Firefox in preparation for a "clean reinstall".'''
'''''Note:''' In Firefox 30 and below on Windows, you can use the Firefox uninstaller option, "Remove my Firefox personal data and customizations" ([[#On Windows|see above]]) instead of following these instructions.''
'''This step is only recommended if you want to completely remove Firefox from your system, and you do not want to save any of your data.'''  This will remove your [[Profile_folder_-_Firefox|Firefox user profile data]], which includes bookmarks, passwords, cookies, preference settings and added extensions.
 
Rename (or delete) the '''Firefox''' folder in the [[Profile_folder_-_Firefox#Finding_the_profile_folder | default profile path]] (or move it to a backup location).    For example, on Windows 7, press "Windows key [[Image:Windows_Key.png]] + R" to open the Run box <br> (or, you can click "Start &rarr; Run..." on Windows XP).  In the Run box, type in '''%APPDATA%''' and click OK, then open the "Mozilla" folder and rename the "Firefox" folder.


This will remove the [[Profile folder#Files and folders in the profile|Firefox user profile data]], which includes bookmarks, passwords, cookies, preference settings and added extensions.  [[Profile backup| Back up your profile data]] so that you can restore it later,  if you wish, then delete the entire '''Firefox''' folder (which will include the "Profiles" subfolder and the files "[[profiles.ini file |profiles.ini]]" and "pluginreg.dat") from the [[Profile_folder#Firefox | default Firefox profile path]].  Note that, in Windows 2000 and later, you can use "Start -> Run -> (type in) %APPDATA% -> OK" to open the hidden Application Data or AppData folder,  as explained [[Profile_folder#For_Windows_users |here]].  
'''Caution:''' Make sure that you rename or delete the entire Firefox profile folder, which includes  the [[profiles.ini file]] that keeps track of profiles. Do not simply rename or delete the profile folder that contains your user data, as doing so can result in a [[profile cannot be loaded]] or a [[Profile_in_use#Check_the_profile_folder_name_and_location | "profile in use"/"already running"]] message when you next attempt to run Firefox ([https://bugzilla.mozilla.org/show_bug.cgi?id=278860 bug 278860]).


'''Caution:''' Do not simply delete the profile folder, as doing so can result in a [[Profile_in_use#Check_the_profile_folder_name_and_location | profile in use or "already running but is not responding" error]] when you next attempt to run Firefox. 
==See also==
* [[Go back to an old version of Firefox]]
* [[Go back to an old version of Thunderbird]]


==Related bugs==
==Related bug reports==
*[https://bugzilla.mozilla.org/show_bug.cgi?id=338752 Bug 338752 - Firefox will not uninstall using the uninstall/install utility in WindowsME Control Panel]
* [https://bugzilla.mozilla.org/show_bug.cgi?id=338752 Bug 338752 - Firefox will not uninstall using the uninstall/install utility in WindowsME Control Panel]
*[https://bugzilla.mozilla.org/show_bug.cgi?id=330885 Bug 330885 - uninstaller hangs waiting for parent process to disappear]
* [https://bugzilla.mozilla.org/show_bug.cgi?id=330885 Bug 330885 - uninstaller hangs waiting for parent process to disappear]
* [https://bugzilla.mozilla.org/show_bug.cgi?id=398434 Bug 398434 – Provide option to remove profiles during uninstall] 
* [https://bugzilla.mozilla.org/show_bug.cgi?id=432017 Bug 432017 - Selecting remove personal data description text should clearly state that it removes *all* Firefox personal data]
 


[[category:Installation and update (Firefox)]]
[[Category:Installation and update (Firefox)]]

Latest revision as of 18:09, 8 September 2014

This article contains instructions to uninstall Firefox and remove it from your system. You should set another default browser if you are not going to reinstall Firefox and it is currently the default [1]. You can use the information in this article as a general guide.

Important: It is rarely necessary to remove Firefox to repair it. Usually it is sufficient to create a new profile, and it is not necessary to remove the old profile. In some cases it is also necessary to uninstall Firefox and install it in a new folder. Note that it is usually safer to rename files and folders than to delete them.

On Mac OS X

  1. Drag the Firefox application to the Trash.
  2. Firefox also has a .plist file at ~/Library/Preferences/org.mozilla.firefox.plist you may wish to remove.

If you also wish to remove your Firefox user data and settings (bookmarks, extensions, etc.) trash the "Firefox" folder, located here: ~Library/Application Support/Firefox. [2] See Removing user profile data (below) for additional information.

On Linux

Remove the firefox Installation directory, usually: /usr/lib/firefox-<version>. For example, if using Firefox 1.0 it would be: /usr/lib/firefox-1.0

On Windows

Exit Firefox completely, open the Windows Control Panel and then,

  • On Windows Vista and above, go to "Programs -> Programs and Features", select Mozilla Firefox <version> and click click Uninstall. [3] [4]
  • On Windows XP (or below), double-click "Add or Remove Programs" Select "Mozilla Firefox <version>" in the list of installed programs and click "Remove" to run the uninstaller.

Note: In Firefox 30.0 and below, the uninstaller includes the option, "Remove my Firefox personal data and customizations". This removes your Firefox user profile data (bookmarks, passwords, cookies, extensions, preferences, etc.). DO NOT select this option if you want to keep your Firefox profile data and settings. This option has been removed in Firefox 31 so, if you wish to remove your Firefox user profile data, you will need to do it manually (see below for instructions). [5]

Even if the uninstall fails, as it may in some cases, continue on with the rest of the uninstall instructions.

  • Delete the Firefox Installation directory located here, by default: C:\Program files\Mozilla Firefox or, on 64-bit Windows, C:\Program Files (x86)\Mozilla Firefox (Optionally make a backup copy of the "plugins" or "browser/plugins" subfolder first, since it may contain the Windows Media Player Firefox plugin and/or other plugin files, so that you can restore it later if you plan on reinstalling Firefox.)
  • If necessary, remove the "Mozilla Firefox" shortcuts in the Windows Start -> Programs menu by right-clicking and deleting the entries. This step should not be needed unless the Firefox uninstall from the Windows Control Panel failed.
  • (Optional) Delete the following additional files or folders (recommended if you are preparing for a clean reinstall):
    • Windows XP and above: Delete all C:\WINDOWS\Prefetch\FIREFOX* files
    • Folders containing temporary Firefox data ( *.mfl files, Cache and Updates), which would be located here, if not removed by the uninstall process (you'll need to show hidden files and folders): Important: Make sure you delete the folder(s) under Local Settings or Local. Deleting the wrong folder will remove your user profile data!
      • Windows 2000/XP: C:\Documents and Settings\<username>\Local Settings\Application Data\Mozilla\Firefox
      • Windows Vista and above: C:\Users\<username>\AppData\Local\Mozilla\Firefox and C:\Users\<username>\AppData\Local\Mozilla\updates [6] and/or C:\Users\<username>\AppData\Local\VirtualStore\Program Files\Mozilla Firefox (if found) [7]

The Firefox uninstall will leave behind some Windows registry entries. Normally, these extra entries are harmless and it is not necessary to remove them. Note: Registry editing is a potentially hazardous undertaking. Also avoid using 3rd party uninstallers (e.g. Revo uninstaller) since these tools can sometimes do more harm than good! [8]

You may also need to manually change some Windows file associations or icons, even after setting a new default browser, as reported here.

Removing user profile data

Note: In Firefox 30 and below on Windows, you can use the Firefox uninstaller option, "Remove my Firefox personal data and customizations" (see above) instead of following these instructions.

This step is only recommended if you want to completely remove Firefox from your system, and you do not want to save any of your data. This will remove your Firefox user profile data, which includes bookmarks, passwords, cookies, preference settings and added extensions.

Rename (or delete) the Firefox folder in the default profile path (or move it to a backup location). For example, on Windows 7, press "Windows key + R" to open the Run box
(or, you can click "Start → Run..." on Windows XP). In the Run box, type in %APPDATA% and click OK, then open the "Mozilla" folder and rename the "Firefox" folder.

Caution: Make sure that you rename or delete the entire Firefox profile folder, which includes the profiles.ini file that keeps track of profiles. Do not simply rename or delete the profile folder that contains your user data, as doing so can result in a profile cannot be loaded or a "profile in use"/"already running" message when you next attempt to run Firefox (bug 278860).

See also

Related bug reports